SWALEC, the national community partner of the WRU, is once again on the lookout for young rugby teams that demonstrate genuine passion for the sport and exceptional commitment to their local community as they launch their Junior Stars competition for the 2010/11 season.

Following the success of the inaugural SWALEC Junior stars, where junior sides Fairwater RFC Under 14s, Carmarthen Quins RFC Under 15 Girls, Aberavon Harlequins RFC Under 14s, Maes Yr Yrfa Under 13s joined Ryan Jones and members of the Wales coaching team at the WRU National Centre of Excellence for an exclusive day-long training session, the search is on for a second season to find four teams that shine.

The grassroots initiative developed by leading energy partner, SWALEC, in conjunction with the WRU, recognises the wealth of talent, commitment and community spirit evident amongst young players across Wales.

Four teams in the under 13, 14 and 15 age-ranges, will be rewarded for dedication and performance in the following fields:

• Community Spirit

• Team Commitment

• Excellence on the pitch

• Overcoming adversity

• Fundraising for the club

• Equality

Each of the winning four teams will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with members of Warren Gatland’s Welsh international coaching staff, as well as a host of international players at the WRU National Centre of Excellence at the Vale Hotel Resort.

Having joined forces with the WRU in 2008, SWALEC is dedicated to supporting rugby, from the grassroots game up to the international stage, and is a key sponsor of the SWALEC Cup, Plate & Bowl, the SWALEC Leagues and the International pathway U20 and U18 sides.

Huw Lock, sponsorship account manager, at SWALEC said: “At SWALEC, we believe that international success is built on a solid foundation, hence our commitment to grassroots rugby. As part of this enthusiasm, we are continually exploring new ways to support our local communities and developing new ideas to encourage active participation in the sport.

“The inaugural SWALEC Junior Stars was a great success and four fantastic teams from across Wales got the opportunity to train with the WRU. We are now on the hunt for this season’s Junior Stars who have shown exceptional commitment on and off the pitch.”

Current Wales captain and SWALEC brand ambassador, Ryan Jones, commented: “This is a great opportunity to showcase and recognise the teams who are really contributing to their club, school or community. Junior teams are the backbone of our game for the future and the successful teams will gain some really valuable experience in this one-off opportunity.

“I am looking forward to working with SWALEC to spot the teams that show real commitment to the game, so that together we can develop young talent and reward sporting efforts in the community.”

If your team is made up of Junior Stars, then please send us 250 words describing their achievements in line with the above criteria to juniorstars@sse.com or Simon Rowe, Junior Stars Competition, Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1NS by Friday 4th March 2011. For further information visit www.swalec.co.uk/rugby

Your local boys or girls could be joining their sporting heroes on the training pitch next Spring.